I can say that I don't blame the coach for being upset, and it could cause a head coach some concern when they're doing their non-schedules in the future. I wonder if the on-ice officials can strike a balance where they can protect the integrity of the game, by calling the right amount of penalties, as well as protecting the puck carrier. At the same time, not affect the flow of the game too much. No one comes to watch an official call a game.
I also agree that the refs have to cal the game tighter, but how tight? But the refs also need to find a happy medium. If the refs call 20-plus penalties in a game, it's going to affect the flow of the game and you're going to end up with games that are almost three hours long.
Puckato -- Last January, Cornell coach Mike Schafer blasted the WCHA referees after a 2-1 loss at Denver, calling their performance “disgusting” and ending his rant with, “I won’t come back to the WCHA.”This past weekend, UND killed 15 of 16 Vermont power plays. That's a lot of penalties over the course of a weekend. Last night, during the post game press conference, UND head coach Dave Hakstol said that he agrees with the way the games were called last weekend.
I have to say that this is an interesting and thought provoking read. On Saturday night, after losing 3-0 in a game that included a combined 25 penalties for 80 minutes, Minnesota State’s Mike Hastings had a message for Schafer (or to that night's refs).
“One thing, Mike Schaffer, I want to let you know, we’re even now,” he said, “because a team from out west came out here and … I saw you last year and it sounded like you got it pretty bad. And I’m going to tell you that I believe east and west are even now.”
Providence plays in Hockey East, not Cornell’s ECAC, but this was hardly the first time a coach has expressed frustration with the way the game is called conference to conference, region to region.
“I am on board with the emphasis on the hooks; basically protecting the offensive player’s hands,” Hakstol said. “Allowing an offensive player on the wall to protect the puck without being held, those are the three that I think are significant and good steps for our game.”
The UND coach went on to explain that the players have to make adjustments to the way the refs are calling the game as well.
"Our guys made a conscientious effort to skate with guys and not use their stick on them," Hakstol said."It’s about creating angles and back-pressuring, instead of using your stick.”
If the refs keep calling the game this way, they will. make adjustments to the game is called. Also, it will be interesting to see how the WCHA calls their games this season.
